History is full of famous artists that have all made amazing contributions to the world of culture and art. Some of the big names that come to mind when most people think of art are people like Van Gogh, Picasso and Da Vinci. All of these creators have one thing in common, they are men. History has not been kind when it comes to equal rights for women, but fortunately that didn’t stop these artists from following their creative passions. Here we showcase some of the female artists who made amazing contributions to the world of art throughout history.
Louise Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun (1755-1854)
This famous French artist is well known for her acquisition of fame during a time when women faced a lot of adversity. After overcoming a number of social and political hurdles, this self-taught painter became one of only four women to be admitted into the French Academy. Initially based in Paris, Le Brun was forced to leave France during the revolution. While travelling around Europe she received numerous commissions thanks to her more sympathetic style of painting which was ahead of its time.
Georgia O’Keefe (1887- 1986)
As one of the very first American artists to experiment with purely abstract paintings, Georgia O’Keefe is an iconic figure in modernism. Her work was known for its high-energy expressive nature. The artist often liked to explore creative themes such as music, and experimented with illustrating them.
Frida Kahlo (1907-1954)
No list of great female artists could be complete without mentioning Frida Kahlo. The Mexican born artist, with her iconic personal image and unique artistic style, was a prominent figure in the world of art. She developed her style based on traditional Mexican folk art, intertwining realism and fantasy. As an advocate of women’s rights, Kahlo’s work incorporated strong political and social messages. Her face has recently become world famous after being featured as a filter on Snapchat.
Helen Frankenthaler (1928-2011)
American born colourist Helen Frankenthaler is famous for her innovations in ‘stain’ painting. The abstract impressionist used a method that consisted of throwing tins of paint directly onto her canvas, in order to create emotive imagery. Her unique style broke through into the world of art at a time when male artists often dominated the spotlight.
Judy Chicago (1939)
Feminist artist Judy Chicago is known for her celebrations of female icons throughout history. One of her most famous installations was ‘The Dinner Part’ which consisted of a mixture of mediums including embroidery and engravings. Chicago was a prominent figure during the 70s, a time when there was a surge of activism regarding equality and women’s rights.
